Bill may increase poaching fines

Hunters, fishermen and bird watchers can agree on one thing: They don't like poaching.

They have united behind a bill in the Oregon Legislature to impose mandatory minimum fines for poachers, particularly people who illegally kill birds of prey and sturgeon, and go way over bag limits on fish and game.

"Poachers, even when they did get caught — and it's rare to catch them — were getting off with very light penalties," said Bob Salinger, the conservation director for Audubon Society of Portland. "I think we are sending a really strong message to poachers."

Senate Bill 924A has sailed through the Senate and is waiting for a vote in the Oregon House after moving through the House Judiciary Committee this week. The primary sponsor is Sen. Brian Boquist, R-Dallas.